Michelin-Rated Restaurants to Wine & Dine at in Westchester County

The prestigious Michelin Restaurant Guide bestowed its honors to several eateries in Westchester for the second year.

By Morris Gut

It has become an annual rite of the culinary. The prestigious Michelin Restaurant Guides have been publishing their ratings internationally, nationally, in New York City, and for the second year, Westchester County and its suburbs.

As always with these guides, there is controversy: who made the list, who did not, and why? It is all kept so secretive.

The ‘Bib Gourmand’ designations, which typically awards more casually eateries of merit, and Stars, which honors more high-end restaurants, can be meaningful to a restaurant’s bottom line. And there is a small group of local spots that made the list.

Based on my experience, these are each deserving finalists.

Though, one must ask the question: how did the Michelin people get clear accurate readings of a restaurant during the heights of the pandemic when most eateries were in difficulty and disarray?

Anyway, enjoy!

Bib Gourmand Recipients in Westchester:

Dubrovnik Restaurant in New Rochelle; Maria Restaurant in New Rochelle; La Panetiere in Rye; Macelleria Italian Steakhouse in Pelham; Tredici Social in Bronxville; Café Alaia in Scarsdale; Burrata in Eastchester; The Southern Table Kitchen & Bar in Pleasantville; Badageoni Georgian Kitchen in Mt. Kisco; Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar in Elmsford; RaaSa in Elmsford; Rafele in Rye; Boro6 Wine Bar in Hastings-on-Hudson; and The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry.

By the way, the only Star recipient in Westchester was Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

You can access the full list including nearby Bronx online here: https://guide.michelin.com/en/us/new-york-state/restaurants

TITILLATING FLAVORS AT MARIA RESTAURANT IN NEW ROCHELLE

Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been causing a stir in New Rochelle, drawing patronage from all over the county for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Named after their mother, Maria Restaurant has become almost a regular haunt for me, especially for its happy hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when some tasty beverages are paired with small plates loaded with flavor.

I am already hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers.

The restaurant also has a nice dining room and bar filled with artifacts from home. And to top it off, a friendly staff, too. The family also operates bustling Fratelli Pizza & Pasta and Pops Espresso Bar next door.

Maria Restaurant, 11 Huguenot St. in New Rochelle. Take-out & delivery. Closed Sundays. 914-636-0006 www.marianewrochelle.com

RELAXING LUNCH AT THE SOUTHERN TABLE IN PLEASANTVILLE

After a scenic weekday drive thru some of our charming Westchester towns, my partner and I were happy to get back to The Southern Table Kitchen & Bar in Pleasantville. It was a lovely mid-afternoon, and right from the start the staff made us feel comfortable. The outdoor patio was active as was the dining room.

We opted for seats at the bar and lingered over a Sloop Juice Bomb IPA while perusing the menu.

With generous portions, for lunch I decided on a Fried Green Tomato BLT Wrap, topped with chipotle aioli and a side of sweet potato fries.

My partner opted for a Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad, which came with a little mountain of romaine, tomato, red onion, cucumber, scallion and blue cheese dressing. 

There was more than enough to share, and both dishes were delish. For dessert we had to have a slice of their creamy house made Grandma’s Key Lime Pie with a dollop of whipped cream. It was exceptional! We savored every morsel.

The Southern Table recently received a second coveted ‘Bib’ designation from the 2021 Michelin Restaurant Guide for New York State. The ownership also operates Wood & Fire Pizza in Pleasantville & Scarsdale; and Off The Rails in Hawthorne.

Additional specialties to consider: Cheddar Biscuits, Grit Bowls, Cajun-style Seafood Boils, and Fried Chicken.

Southern Table Kitchen & Bar, 39 Marble Ave. in Pleasantville. Seasonal patio dining. Open daily. Pick up & delivery. Phone: 914-618-3355 www.southern-table.com

PRIME DINING AT MACELLERIA ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE IN ARMONK

A newcomer to the local Michelin Guide, this high-end Italian steakhouse serves classic cuts of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian-American specialties. Proprietors Tony & Johny LaLa and their crew will take good care of you.

Be seated in the handsomely renovated dining room and bar/lounge and peruse the menu over a good glass of wine from their vintage list.

A recent celebratory meal here started with their fresh made jumbo Crab Cake appetizer, served with an herbed mustard sauce, and a perky Arugula Salad, with arugula, navel orange segments, fennel, goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette.

As a main course my beautifully marbled Rib Eye Steak was a tender hit, served with a flavorful brandy peppercorn sauce on the side. My companion went for the big Diver Scallops, served with asparagus, mushrooms, leeks, and a touch of truffle butter. We also ordered the addictive home fries and garlic spinach as a sides.

Both entrees were large enough to share, with leftover steak to take home, too. For dessert we shared a most extraordinary house made Tiramisu.

Additional specialties to look for: Steak Tartare, slabs of Canadian Bacon, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger.

Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, or New York Strip Steak.

Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, 111 Bedford Road in Armonk. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Free parking. Reservations suggested: 914-219-5728. Macelleria is also in Pelham, 142 Fifth Ave., and soon in Byram, CT. www.macelleriaarmonk.com

Morris Gut has been covering the food & dining scene in greater Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net